Wiltshire prepares for more firefighter strikes

CONTINGENCY plans are being laid by Wiltshire Fire Service after the Fire Brigades Union announced a further round of strikes starting on Friday.

Full time stations in Swindon, Stratton, Westlea, Trowbridge, Chippenham and Salisbury will be out of action, along with on call stations at Calne, Melksham, Pewsey and Warminster.

Union members will be on strike between noon and 5pm on May 2, 2pm to 2am on Saturday and 10am to 3pm on Sunday.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Routh-Jones said: “Having not had any industrial action since the New Year, and with talks having been held between the FBU and the Government, it is immensely frustrating that we again find ourselves planning for strikes.

“This is a national dispute, yet it is individual fire and rescue services, and therefore local communities, that are bearing the brunt.”

He added: “As on previous occasions, we will be making every effort to provide the best possible fire cover for people in Wiltshire and Swindon, but we will be operating with reduced resources and this will have an effect.

“During the strike periods, we will still respond to 999 calls, but it may take us a little longer than usual to arrive and, with larger premises, we may send a smaller attendance than usual in the first instance.”